IGP launches special unit to monitor conduct of policemen

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The Inspector General of Police will today formally launch the establishment of a special unit in the police force to monitor, investigate and recommend punishment for police officers suspected of immoderation and misconduct, especially in the course of carrying out their duties.

The Compliant Response Unit (CRU), an initiative of the IGP Solomon Arase’s efforts to improve public perception, trust and confidence in the ‘police is your friend’ slogan will embrace the advantages provided by the modern day technology of the social media, by opening a multi-platform grievance reporting mechanism, on which citizens of the country can channel their queries, misgivings and concerns on the activities of policemen in any part of the country.

The Unit, to be headed by a former Deputy Force Public Relations Officer (DFPRO) Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abayomi Shogunle, has the mandate of the IGP to operate under the theme “No to Impunity” by ensuring that every action that portends to police misconduct must be accounted for in real time.

“There would be social network platforms available, open telephone lines for citizens to call as well as send text message on such complaints and many other routes to reach the Force headquarters.”
“Each state of the Federation, including Abuja has three (3) officers in charge who would ensure the strict enforcement of the CRU mandate.

And the public should be rest assured that every complaint made to the unit would be treated in real time, that is, immediately.
Such that verification, investigation and recommendations all have to be completed within the period of one week, maximum,” Shogunle said.

At the launch, the unit is expected to be open to public access through the platforms that would be made public, has contact persons in all the states of the federation and divisional police units.

With functions to include “Making real time acknowledgement of such received complaints through same means of receipt, Ensuring immediate and instant resolution of all such complaints so received from members of the public, After enquiries, provide a feedback on the justification of a particular Police action upon which a complaint has been so received, Referral of complaints so received to the appropriate NPF Department, Formation or Command of the Force for detailed investigation and necessary departmental action as prescribed by relevant Laws of the Land, Police Acts and Regulations, Force Orders, IGP Circulars and Force Administrative Instructions.

Identifying causes of recurring police/citizen problems in designated areas and recommending possible solution(s) to the Inspector-General of Police.

Others are “Interacting with communities and police officers on the field in respect of identified areas of concerns to both NPF and citizens so as to resolve issues of concern, Media interaction and enlightenment campaign on activities of the unit regarding projection of openness and accountability of the Force based on reported cases and responding to media enquiries on action taking on reported cases and Creation and distribution of sensitization materials regarding expected course of action citizens can take to report alleged police professional misconduct/informative materials to remind police officers of consequences of their unlawful and discreditable actions,” among others.

Source: TheGuardian